Ethical Culture Societies have a strong tradition of ethical action – initiatives expressing our belief in the worth and potential of all human beings and our commitment to building a better world for ourselves and our children. There are so many human needs and problems that call for a hands-on response. We’re also aware of the importance of modeling an ethical approach to life. Nothing contributes more to our own development as ethical human beings and to the vitality of our fellowship than active engagement with ethical work.
Ethical action at BES includes community service and social issues advocacy inspired by humanist values. Community service is directed at helping organizations and individuals in our region. BES offers our programs as opportunities for non-profit groups to spread their mission and seek support. Our social issues advocacy efforts include teaching our members and visitors about current issues, as well as writing letters to political and business leaders concerning significant public issues. Sometimes members come together to participate in demonstrations, conferences, workshops, and boycotts.
BES is a member of BUILD, Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development. Members have participated in BUILD’s non-partisan interfaith political actions to help make Baltimore a city for youth, a city that’s safe, a city with jobs, and a city for all.
BES also partners with Out For Justice, an ex-offender member-led organization that promotes the reform of policies that adversely affect the ex-offender re-entering into society successfully.
BES is a member of the American Ethical Union. The AEU Ethical Action Committee provides support to Societies in their Ethical Action work (community strengthening and local change), and leveraging the power of the AEU as a national organization with moral authority (systemic change).
We also celebrate commitments made independently by individual members to worthy organizations and causes that enrich the lives of volunteers and clients alike! We invite members to create opportunities for good works which also serve to bond members together as a community. Marching in the Martin Luther King Day and Pride Parades are two such annual traditions. We believe that even a small organization like the Baltimore Ethical Society can be a strong voice for positive change. Join us!
Contact the Ethical Action Chair at charles.shafer@gmail.com.
